So pretty straightforward story. I am currently planning the next installment of "Audrey Steps Out", however I don't know when that story will be out as I only have an outline at this time. So there will be several stories before then. Just a reminder to those that are interested, I will do a Q & A if I get at least ten good questions. All characters in this story are eighteen years or older.
*****
Moira sighed as she considered the day ahead of her. Her son, Devon was bringing his wife, Wynter, for a visit. Moira loved her son and was determined to support him, but he was fully aware that she and his wife didn't get along. The visit was his latest attempt in a bid to make peace between them. So far, after just over a year of marriage and almost two more of dating, he hadn't had much success. They generally only saw each other when Devon arranged it. Moira tried to be the bigger person in their interactions, but somehow Wynter managed to draw out the worst in her. Devon smiled nervously.
"So, Wynter has just gotten a promotion at work. This does mean more responsibility, but it also means we will be able to afford that trip to Ibiza that we've been talking about." Moira knew she should keep her mouth shut, but found herself grinning as she spoke.
"So, those late nights with the boss paid off, you must have given quite the performance." If Devon spotted the jab, he chose to ignore it. Wynter however did not choose grace.
"You old bitch, how dare you, and what have you accomplished lately?" Moira leaned back and looked away as if she hadn't heard Wynter.
"Devon, remember I told you I was interested in acting?" He smiled hoping to steer the conversation in a more positive direction.
"Yeah, how is that going?" Devon put a hand on his wife's knee, hoping she would remain quiet while his mother spoke.
"Well, I'm currently taking classes to improve my acting, while I am performing in a local theater production. We're rehearsing a new play written by our director. He writes plays professionally, but he tests them by having the local troupe perform them. The current play is about a spy, dealing with more domestic issues. I play his mentor who is trying to teach him to navigate the more mundane side of his life, which he has been neglecting of late, In fact we premiere on Friday night. Why don't you two come see it?" She briefly left the room. Wynter turned to Devon.
"I can't believe you make me come with you. She insults me every time I come. I'm your wife, why don't you do anything?" He sighed.
"And she's my mother. I'm sorry I actually have a close relationship with my mother and I don't share your belief that you should only see your parents once or twice a year. Besides, you give as good as you get. I love you both, so I'm not going to take sides." Before she could respond Moira returned with two tickets, which Devon took happily.
"Thanks mom, we'll be there." Wynter glared at him, but chose not to say anything. "In fact, how about afterward you come home with us for a late dinner." Wynter continued to glare at him and might have protested if he hadn't at that moment somewhat tightened his grip on her knee. Moira was delighted by Wynter's reaction.
"I would love to." Wynter turned to Moira, still glaring. Devon shook his head and attempted to keep the visit going forward, knowing full well it was hopeless. His wife and mother hated each other and he wasn't sure how it started. He suspected Wynter's issue was ongoing issues with her own parents, hence her philosophy that parents were to be tolerated once or twice a year, but the idea of actually
liking
your parents was foreign. He persisted, despite dealing with this for nearly three years. However his mother's issue was less clear, it might have been Wynter's behavior from their first meeting but his mother was usually better at being civil to unpleasant people. Finally he could stand being the peacemaker no longer and politely brought the visit to an end.
"Well, it's been great seeing you mom, but we really need to get going." They stood and she walked them to the door.
"Call anytime. I'm busy with school and rehearsals, but I can always find time for you dear." Wynter seemed unable to contain herself.
"Yes, always a pleasure to visit your museum." Moira grinned and was about to respond when she saw pleading look in Devon's eyes. Swallowing slowly she spoke.
"Well, let me know what museums you visit, I'll be sure to adjust my approach accordingly, if you can remember the last one you visited." She said this in all politeness and Devon shrugged, mouthing a thank you.
The night of the play arrived and Moira felt the night had been a success. The three went to Devon and Wynter's home for dinner. Wynter had to make a jab as they walked out.
"Just think Moira in five years, with a lot of hard work, you might suck." Moira smiled, although Devon suspected she was gritting her teeth.
"Maybe, but that still makes me better than one who
doesn't
act." Wynter was fuming, but decided not to speak. With dinner Devon did most of the talking. Halfway through dinner he got a call and left the room.
"So, Moira your son has moved out and you spend you days in mediocre acting, ever feel superfluous?" Moira sighed.
"This back and forth has occasionally been fun, but seriously Wynter what is your problem?" Wynter was about to answer when Devon returned.
"Sorry ladies, but I have to go out for a little while. How about you two continue the visit. I should be back soon." Both made protests, but he held his hands in a gesture to request silence. "Just a bit, I'll be back soon." The two sat at the table, Wynter drinking her coffee and Moira tea.
"You were saying." Wynter failed to suppress a groan.
"I'm trying to get him to cut the damn umbilical cord. You are his mother, you can't be his friend." Moira sat back sipping her tea.
"Says who?" Wynter sighed.
"Growing up you had to be the boss, he had to obey you. Now as an adult he has his independence, so that means a separation so he can live his own life." Moira paused a moment before responding.
"Do you think I coddled him? That in some way I am hindering his growth as a person, because I actually like my son and never saw him as an obligation, in the sense of becoming a mother." Wynter shook her head, giving Moira the strong impression she was being patronized.
"It's quite simple, children fight with their parents, testing themselves until they become adults. By this time they have come to resent their parents, so they are ready to leave home. They have a certain respect for each other and tolerate the other's presence, but with your way it's a wonder he ever left home." Moira shrugged her shoulders.
"My husband and I always believed that when a child reaches adulthood a parent may provide guidance, but overall it is time for a new relationship, based on mutual respect. If you don't like your child I have always felt something was wrong, like why become a parent." Wynter shook her head.
"That is incredibly naïve, well when Devon and I start having children, that sort of nonsense will be unacceptable." Moira stared critically at Wynter, knowing full well her daughter-in-law was quite serious. She briefly considered making her excuses and leaving, but she felt that was the way of surrender and was not about to accept Wynter's attitude toward raising children. So, she steeled herself to go forward with her plan. She excused herself to go to the bathroom.
She hadn't expected her son to leave in the middle of the evening. She headed upstairs, however instead of entering the main bathroom she immediately went to the master bedroom to its bathroom. She soon located a brush that clearly had her daughter-in-law's hair, as her son's hair was lighter in color and cut short. She extracted a small clump of hair between thumb and two fingers and walked to the other bathroom. After closing the door she opened her handbag and laid out a cloth with several items on it, a doll about eight inches long, a small incense stick, a lighter and a packet with several ingredients inside about two inches square. She stuffed the hair into the packet and put the whole thing in the back of the doll, closing it with the seam barely visible.
Flushing the toilet to cover her actions she lit the incense stick and chanted "become the proxy for my will" over and over until the incense stick stopped burning. Smiling with satisfaction as she saw that the doll now bore an uncanny resemblance to Wynter, including the exact outfit she was wearing. She packed everything back into her handbag, with the doll placed to give her easy access and washed her hands before returning to the kitchen. She smiled sweetly as she sat at the table, with Wynter trying to look unaffected, without success.
"Look, why don't I pass on your apologies to Devon and we'll see you another time." Moira continued smiling as she spoke.
"I think I'll wait a bit longer for him. How about you pour me some more tea. Please." Wynter's mouth opened and closed a few times before she was able to speak.
"This is my house, get it yourself." Moira smiled more as she spoke.
"Please, dear." Before Wynter could respond Moira reached into her bag to lightly rub the doll on the back of the head where the neck began. Suddenly Wynter's expression softened, although she didn't smile.
"Sure, hand me your cup." Moira did so and Wynter refilled it before returning to the table. Once she had given the cup back to Moira, she paused and sat slowly with a blank expression on her face. She frowned as she muttered to herself. Moira however could hear Wynter and sipped her tea to cover her grin.
